U2’s The Edge Becomes First Rock Star to Play the Sistine Chapel

ROME, Italy — U2's lead guitarist The Edge became the first rock star to play in the Sistine Chapel on Saturday, performing an unplugged set with the backing of a young Irish choir.

The musician, whose real name is David Evans, was invited to play in the 15th century chapel for the participants of a conference on regenerative medicine, which took place inside the Vatican.

“When I was asked to perform in the Sistine Chapel I didn’t know what to say, because usually there’s ‘this other guy’ who sings,” The Edge told the audience, referring to U2’s lead singer Bono. “So it took me at least, well, 30 seconds to agree to it.”